Looking for cascading water, bluff views, and a moderate mountain climb? Head to the Roaring Creek section of the Cumberland Trail in Graysville, Tennessee — right here in Rhea County.
Trail Stats
- 4.1 miles (out & back)
- 620 ft elevation gain
- 1.5–2 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
What to Expect
Your hike begins at the Roaring Creek Trailhead, following the creek for about one mile. You’ll enjoy peaceful water views before reaching a fork.
Take the right fork to begin climbing.
At the next junction, ignore the sign toward Hell’s Kitchen (popular bouldering area) and go right again, following white blazes uphill.
From there:
- Gradual switchbacks
- Steady elevation gain
- Stunning bluff-top views at Roaring Creek Overlook
- Continue on to Wildcat Hollow Falls for a beautiful waterfall finish
The elevation gain is steady but manageable — the kind where you climb on the way up and enjoy a smooth descent back down.
Why It’s Special
This stretch of Walden Ridge delivers:
- Cascading creek scenery
- Sweeping plateau overlooks
- Rock formations and bluff lines
- A true Cumberland Plateau hiking experience
It’s the perfect half-day hike for those wanting water features and overlook views without committing to an all-day trek.
Directions
From US 27 north of Chattanooga:
- Turn onto TN 303 toward Graysville
- Turn left onto Pikeville Avenue (becomes Brayton Mountain Road)
- Continue about 1.5 miles
- Look for gravel parking area and trailhead kiosk on the right
If you love waterfalls, overlook views, and that classic Cumberland Plateau terrain — Roaring Creek delivers.
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